Tibiofemoral cartilage thickness distribution and its correlation with anthropometric variables

Abstract

The objective of this study was to determine tibiofemoral cartilage thickness distribution, and to investigate the relationship between cartilage geometry and anthropometric variables. In this study, 20 magnetic resonance examinations of the knee from normal individuals were reconstructed to provide three-dimensional models of the knee joint, including bony and cartilage surfaces. Three regions were defined on the articular surface, and the cartilage thickness distribution along each of these was determined. Statistically significant differences between femoral and tibial regions were examined using the paired Student t test in Microsoft Excel. Correlations were investigated using the correlation tool in Microsoft Excel. The average tibial cartilage thickness was found to be 2.76 mm and the average femoral cartilage thickness was 2.75 mm. Significant correlations exist between the tibia cartilage thickness and body height (R = 0.60; P < 0.05) and weight (R = 0.64; P < 0.05). Significant correlations exist between the femoral cartilage volume and the body height (R = 0.736; P < 0.01) and weight (R = 0.855; P < 0.01). It is suggested that the distribution and correlations of cartilage distribution indicate adaptation in response to mechanical loading. Information regarding cartilage thickness and volume distribution as found in this study may be useful in diagnosing and monitoring cartilage loss in patients with degenerative joint disease.

The Posterior Condylar Offset Ratio

“…In a recent detailed study of tibio-femoral cartilage thickness, Connolly et al [12] reconstructed 20 normal knee MRI examinations to provide threedimensional models of the knee joint. They found the average femoral cartilage thickness was 2.75 mm (SD 0.6 mm).…”

Effect of Transection of the Caudal Menisco‐Tibial Ligament on Medial Femorotibial Contact Mechanics

“…In our model, femoro‐tibial contact mechanics were evaluated by measuring contact area, the pressure magnitude, and pressure distribution on the articular cartilage. The distribution of the forces on the articular surfaces is crucial because the thickness and the equilibrium compressive modulus of the cartilage vary significantly at different locations on the surface of the tibial plateau 33 . Articular cartilage in regions of the plateau that are normally subjected to high loads are stiffer in compression than the regions that are normally subjected to lower loads, and therefore are more tolerant of higher pressures 34 .…”

Patterns of Femoral Cartilage Thickness are Different in Asymptomatic and Osteoarthritic Knees and Can be Used to Detect Disease-Related Differences Between Samples

“…There is evidence that cartilage thickness is heterogeneous on the distal femur based on thickness maps [2,3,5,17], anteriorposterior thickness profiles along the condyles [18], and regional mean thickness measurements [16,19]. However, there remains a paucity of quantitative information about the spatial variation in cartilage thickness on the femur or how regional thickness shapes vary among subjects or during the course of OA.…”